What do you think of when you hear the word depression? Feelings of sadness, loneliness, and emptiness seem to come to mind for many.
Now, what do you think of when you hear the word seasonal depression? Sadness over seasons?
Well, you’re not too far off.
Seasonal depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a type of depression that affects many different individuals and occurs around the sam time, year after year, depending on the different seasons; for most, they get what we call the “winter blues”.
We promised ourselves when that clock struck midnight that 2017 was going to be our year, so we’ve put together a few ways to help you fight against seasonal depression and keep you mentally well all year long!
Salt Lamps
Salt lamps aren’t just for décor anymore! More and more people are introducing salt lamps into their daily lives because of the many health benefits that they provide. Whether it be purifying your air, improving your sleep, or helping your maintain a positive and balanced mental state through the production of negative ions, if you're suffering from seasonal depression a salt lamp by your bedside may just do the trick to ease your mind.
Take a hike
A hike might be a little extreme for some people, but it’s important to get yourself outside and keep moving! Even though it’s the weather itself that’s bringing you down, exercise is an important part of mental wellness and something that you should try and do a little of each day. Don’t let winter keep you indoors; there’s a ton of activities outside that are just waiting for you to try out. Need a few hints? Our Crater has you covered!
Vent to someone
Whether it be a friend, family member, or even a professional, talking out any problems or concerns that are weighing on your shoulders can do you wonders. Keeping everything in seems to be an art that we’ve all mastered, but it really doesn’t help. Studies show that unburdening yourself by talking it out with somebody else is a very effective way to combat depression. If you don’t feel comfortable discussing your personal problems with someone you know, why not let a professional help? The Mental Health Helpline wants you to know that there is always someone there to talk; give them a call 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600.
Seek out the sunshine
Winter seems to be the most common cause of seasonal depression, which many attribute to the limited amount of sunlight that pokes through each day. For most, it’s dark when they head out to work or school each morning and it remains this way once they return home, many rarely seeing any sunshine at all. Whether it be popping your
head outside during your lunch hour to sneak a peek at the sun, or investing in a light therapy box, a device that many people use to help ease their depression symptoms, sunlight is an important part of keeping your mood positive.
Aromatherapy
It’s not just to make your house smell pretty! Aromatherapy has been used time and time again to combat many forms of depression, anxiety, and even severe mood disorders. The essential oils used in aromatherapy help to influence the part of the brain that is primarily responsible for controlling your moods. For seasonal depression, in particular, the most popular choices of essential oils include jasmine, lavender, and sandalwood.
Take up journaling
Most people agree that there’s nothing better than a fresh, new journal. Perhaps journaling isn’t really your jam; maybe you’re just not a “dear diary” type person. That’s ok! We’re not saying that you need to be an avid writer to take up this hobby, but many agree that jotting down their thoughts and feelings for even just a few minutes every day has a pretty positive impact on their moods. Try it out, you might be pleasantly surprised.
It's important to remember that depression as a whole affects us all, and in very different ways. We may not be able to "shake it off" or "get rid of it", but what we can do is try and ease the symptoms, support each other, and live everyday to the fullest. From January 21-27, it's Mental Wellness week here at Laurentian University. Come out and celebrate with us the importance of balanced and holistic mental wellness!